To the editor:
Regarding Carl Hendrickson’s Healthy Living column about the benefits of Toast-masters, I can attest to the skills gained as a member of Toastmasters.
I was terrified of speaking before any group, and decided it was no longer going to dominate my life as it had been.
I have no college degree. I was employed as an engineer on the railroad, so my employment didn’t demand perfect speech or presentation of a subject and a more important title.
However, I knew it was time to try a new direction, so I fearfully joined our local Toastmasters in 1982, when I first met Carl Hendrickson. He helped me a great deal.
Because I lacked a degree, I thought I would not receive serious consideration.
However, I soon found myself accepted and taking part in every aspect of the weekly meetings, performing the same exact requirements expected of all the other members.
Otherwise, I always felt equal. I learned so much, but nothing more rewarding than facing a fear and learning how to control it, rather than letting it control me.
Jim Harrison
Oakville